Top activities
Top landmarks
Trip ideas
Nearby places
Port schedule
You booked this experience
Make your trip unforgettable

Guided Private Underground New York Subway Tour

53 Reviews 4.91 out of 5 stars Based on 53 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 98% of reviewers | New York City, USA
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 69 (55) days in advance.

2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

This private tour will completely demystify New York's famous subway system. and give you the secret history and inside story of the creation of the original 1904 subway line and how it grew into one of the most extensive transportation systems in the world. All the art, all the history, all the technical breakthroughs, all the "whys" and all the shenanigans that went into this spectacular achievement. This is a unique experience for visitors and locals alike. The tour is approximately 2.5-hours. 

Please read the activity details for more information.

What's Included

  • Professional local guide for a group up to five MAXIMUM.
  • Entrance fees (the cost of one subway ride).
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities
See 3 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

1 Centre Street
New York, NY 10007, USA

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

89 East 42nd Street
New York, NY 10017, USA

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
Read more

Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Brooklyn Bridge

The subway station, not the bridge. It is here, out side the station, were we get a bulk of the history. We enter the system here and it is here where the admission is paid. TIMING IS APPROXIMATE.
Read more

30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

New York City Subway

We ride the original route and see the most beautiful abandoned station in the world. We will stop at Astor Place, then Grand Central Station and switch to the Shuttle to Times Square. Admission is paid one time only when we enter the system. TIMING IS APPROXIMATE.
Read more

40 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Times Square

The subway station, how it became the most important station in the system as well as the several million dollars worth of art installed there. Admission is paid when you enter the system at the beginning of the tour. TIMING IS APPROXIMATE.
Read more

20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Astor Place

Subway Station with gorgeous terra cotta work. Admission is paid at the beginning of the tour when we enter the system. TIMING IS APPROXIMATE.
Read more

10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Grand Central Terminal

How Grand Central Terminal Came to be, the prior 2 stations, how and why we almost lost the Terminal and the drastic steps to save it and renovate it. TIMING IS APPROXIMATE.
Read more

25 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Show 4 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Price shown is per group
  • A small amount of walking is involved and there are some stairs
  • We DO NOT enter the tunnels. We view the City Hall Station from the safety of the train. We do not do anything illegal. We visit areas that are open to the public but, in some cases, overlooked.

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Guided Private Underground New York Subway Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-8175P2

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.91
53 reviews

Average 4.91 out of 5 stars based on 53 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
49
4 stars
3
3 stars
1
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 69 (55) days in advance.

Similar Tours & Activities

Brooklyn Bridge Waterfront Guided Bike Tour

We'll see Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn Bridge Park and the DUMBO warehouse district. After a quick tour of City Hall area, we roll over …More

We'll see Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn Bridge Park and the DUMBO warehouse district. After a quick tour of City Hall area, we roll over...

2 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (131)
from
$59

New York City’s Best Smash Burger tour - You be the judge!

Savor the ultimate smashburgers in Greenwich Village, with stops at iconic spots like Hamburger America, 7th Street Burger, Butter and others. This tour combines culinary …More

Savor the ultimate smashburgers in Greenwich Village, with stops at iconic spots like Hamburger America, 7th Street Burger, Butter and others. This tour combines culinary...

2 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (4)
from
$69

NYC Movie & TV Location Running Tour – Jog Iconic Filming Spots

Experience New York City like never before—with a guided four-mile jogging tour through real-life filming locations from hit movies and TV shows including Big Daddy, …More

Experience New York City like never before—with a guided four-mile jogging tour through real-life filming locations from hit movies and TV shows including Big Daddy,...

1 hour Free Cancellation
5.0 (2)
from
$40

Wall Street & Financial District Private Walking Tour

If you think Downtown Manhattan is just the city's financial hub then this tour is for you. We will spend 2.15 hours discovering many interesting …More

If you think Downtown Manhattan is just the city's financial hub then this tour is for you. We will spend 2.15 hours discovering many interesting...

135 to 150 minutes
5.0 (4)
from
$49

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

New York Catacombs by Candlelight

Enjoy this fascinating 90 minute group tour that introduces you to all of the secrets of the Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral. Enter off …More

4.7 (2,890)

New York Catacombs by Candlelight

4.7 (2,890)

Enjoy this fascinating 90 minute group tour that introduces you to all of the secrets of the Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral. Enter off...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.7 (2,890)
from
$38

New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour (includes bus, walking tour and ferry ride!)

Experience the best of New York City with a knowledgeable, licensed tour guide by your side. Our guides will make your journey unforgettable as they …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Experience the best of New York City with a knowledgeable, licensed tour guide by your side. Our guides will make your journey unforgettable as they...

6 hours Free Cancellation
4.8 (13,383)
from
$99

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Ticket

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt blends elements of art and technology, taking the concept of an “observation deck” to entirely new heights. Explore three levels of mind-bending …More

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt blends elements of art and technology, taking the concept of an “observation deck” to entirely new heights. Explore three levels of mind-bending...

1 to 3 hours Free Cancellation
4.7 (4,254)
from
$48

Museum of Ice Cream New York City Admission Ticket

Taste your way through global ice cream flavors, explore immersive installations, ride NYC’s longest indoor slide, dive into the iconic Sprinkle Pool, and create sweet …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Taste your way through global ice cream flavors, explore immersive installations, ride NYC’s longest indoor slide, dive into the iconic Sprinkle Pool, and create sweet...

60 to 90 minutes
4.0 (1,203)
from
$49

What's Included

Activity name

  • Professional local guide for a group up to five MAXIMUM.
  • Entrance fees (the cost of one subway ride).
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Price shown is per group
  • A small amount of walking is involved and there are some stairs
  • We DO NOT enter the tunnels. We view the City Hall Station from the safety of the train. We do not do anything illegal. We visit areas that are open to the public but, in some cases, overlooked.

Report Product Issue

Activity name